Massive Heart Attack Definition

A massive heart attack is a severe form of heart attack that causes damage to a large portion of the heart. This may result in unconsciousness and permanent heart damage. Worst cases cause the heart to stop beating (cardiac arrest), leading to death. [1]

Causes of Massive Heart Attack

Atherosclerosis

The main cause of a massive heart attack is atherosclerosis, a coronary artery disease. In atherosclerosis, the arteries get blocked because of accumulation of plaque, making the walls of these blood vessels hard and narrow. When this happens, blood cannot circulate properly throughout the circulatory system. It also impairs the normal expansion and contraction of the heart. [2]

The main cause of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fats from eating too much food high in fat and cholesterol. White blood cells may also accumulate in the arteries. When the white blood cells attach to the arteries, a substance called netrin-1 is released, prohibiting the out migration of the white blood cells from the arteries. Other factors that can lead to the obstruction of arteries are high blood sugar level, high blood pressure, and smoking. [3]

Coronary Microvascular Disease

Coronary microvascular disease is a condition when the small arteries in the body are damaged. Just like atherosclerosis, coronary microvascular disease is caused by high fat and cholesterol levels, high sugar levels, high blood pressure and smoking. It can also be caused by having a sedentary lifestyle, because it can lead to obesity. However, although they have the same causes, no palques are formed in coronary microvascular disease. [4]

Coronary Artery Spasms

Coronary artery spasm is a sudden and transient narrowing of the arteries of the heart which cause an obstruction in the blood flow, therefore depriving the heart of oxygen-rich blood. These spasms often occur in the arteries that already hardened, or in arteries where plaques build up. The muscles of the artery walls are squeezed, causing the spasms. It is felt as a chest pain and tightness under the sternum or on the left side of the chest. [5]

This condition is triggered by high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol. It can also happen during emotional stress, alcohol withdrawal, and exposure to cold environments. Vasoconstrictors and stimulant drugs can also cause coronary artery spasms. When this happens, it may lead to mild or massive heart attacks. [5]

Symptoms

The main symptom of a massive heart attack is chest pain and tightness, and the pain usually radiates to the jaw, neck, back, shoulders and arms. A burning sensation may also be felt on the chest. There is also difficulty in breathing. During a massive heart attack, the patient takes shallow and irregular breaths.

Other less common symptoms of a massive heart attack include:

Nausea and vomiting

Excessive sweating

Restlessness

Anxiety

Fatigue

Cold hands and feet

Arrhythmia

Low blood pressure

Loss of consciousness

Other symptoms happen more commonly in women. These symptoms are:

Abdominal pain

Dizziness

Clammy skin

Heartburn

These symptoms may happen anytime, during work or play, and even during relaxation. Some people may experience warning symptoms, such as recurrent angina, days before the heart attack. However, a massive heart attack may also occur suddenly, which may cause cardiac arrest. [2]

Diagnosis of Massive Heart Attack

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This is the main diagnostic test done during any type of heart attack. An electrocardiogram records the electrical responses of the heart, and shows these as waves in an electrocardiograph. An impaired heart muscle has difficulties in conducting electrical waves, and this abnormality can be seen in the results. The progress of the heart attack can also be monitored using this test.

Picture 2: ElectrocardiogramImage source: daviddarling.info

While this test is done, the patient and responders are also asked about the symptoms of the patient. [5]

Blood tests

A damaged heart produces certain enzymes, which can be detected during blood tests [5].

Chest X-ray

Chest x-rays are helpful in allowing the doctors to see the size of the heart and the blood vessels, especially the arteries. It can also show if there is already fluid build-up in the lungs [5].

Angiogram

Angiogram, or coronary catheterization, shows the condition of the arteries. It can be seen when these arteries are blocked or narrowed. This is done by administering an imaging dye to the coronary arteries through an artery in the groin or leg. This dye can be seen during an x-ray and narrowing and blockage can be easily seen.

While doing the test, treatment can also be done at the same time. This treatment is called angioplasty or coronary artery balloon dilation.

In this procedure, small balloons are placed inside the arteries to allow it to widen. Tubes or stents are also placed to prevent it from narrowing again in the future. [5]

Picture 3: AngioplastyImage source: bostonscientific.com

Echocardiogram

This diagnostic procedure involves the imaging of the heart through the use of sound waves. These sound waves bounce off through the heart and back to the chest. The waves are then processed to provide a digital image of the heart. This test shows if the heart is damaged, or if it is not beating normally. [5]

Massive Heart Attack Treatment

While waiting for medical attention, aspirin can be given to the patient. This prevents the clotting of blood in the coronary arteries. Nitroglycerin can also be given if the patient has taken it before. Nitroglycerin helps in relieving the chest pain felt by the patient. [2]

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR should be done when the patient already fainted, so that the brain will continuously be supplied with enough oxygen. This is done by applying pressure on the patient’s chest at a rate of about 100 pumps per minute. [2]

Upon the arrival of emergency professionals, an automatic external defibrillator must be immediately used to restore the normal heart beat. [2]

At the hospital, the patient is treated with medications, such as the following:

Thrombolytics. These drugs dissolve the blood clot that blocks the blood flow around the heart. This prevents further damage of the heart muscles. The earlier thrombolytics are given, the greater the chance of recovery.

Superaspirins. These prevent the formation of more blood clots. An example is clopidogrel. Beta-blockers. These help the condition by relaxing the heart. It slows down the heart beat, and it also decreases blood pressure.

Surgery is also immediately performed. One type of surgery is angioplasty [2]. Another type is coronary bypass surgery, wherein veins and arteries are sewn in the parts of the heart where the blood vessels are obstructed. This procedure restores the normal blood circulation in the heart. This is done 3 to 7 days after recovery from heart attack [6].

Picture 4: Coronary bypass surgeryImage source: bhf.org.uk

Survival Rates

Massive heart attack had been one of the leading causes of death, but as people learned of the symptoms and treatment, more people have survived from a massive heart attack [2]. With proper treatment, professional monitoring, and lifestyle change, many people can already survive and live several more years after a massive heart attack [7].